Chapter 737 Behind The Bookshelf
Chapter 737 Behind The Bookshelf
“What is the price for this chance?”
Max finally spoke, his voice tight.
Tess’s satisfaction flickered in her eyes like a cat that got the cream. “Hand over Rachel.”
“No.”
Max’s face hardened, the refusal immediate and absolute.
Rachel was the only bargaining chip he still had with Tess.
s
Tess had changed too much. She was no longer the naive girl from his memories. He couldn’t trust mere words or promises.
“That works too,” Tess replied casually.
She didn’t press the issue. Instead, she stepped back lightly, as if retreating were of no consequence. “Then let’s do this. Tomorrow, I want to see her.”
Max’s gaze sharpened, searching her face. He found only that wless, practiced smile, revealing nothing.
A wave of frustrated helplessness washed over him, but caution still held him back.
Tess gave him exactly one minute. When he still hadn’t responded, she picked up her bag and stood.
“Fine. Come to Hunt Group tomorrow, and I’ll take you to her.”
“Pleasure doing business with you.”
Tess’s smile looked more genuine now, warmth softening her eyes.
Before Max could even register the change, she averted her gaze and strode out with purpose.
By the time the fog of their confrontation cleared from his mind, the seat opposite him was empty.
His eyes drifted to the table. The coffee cup sat untouched. The raspberry cake he’d specially ordered for her also remained uneaten.
Chapter 737 Behind The Bookshelf
Max’s lips pressed into a thin line.
&
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This cafe belonged to him. There was no such thing as a “new raspberry cake.” He’d asked around about her preferences and had the kitchen develop it specifically for her.
He let out a long, weary sigh, pulled the te toward himself, and took arge bite.
It was perfect. Sweet but not cloying, with a bright, tangy fruitiness.
He chewed slowly. The texture was exquisite. Yet, she hadn’t wanted it.
Max couldn’t quite describe the feeling in his chest. In the end, he barely ate a few bites before setting the te aside and having the staff clear it away.
Meanwhile, Tess was already settling into the passenger seat of Raven’s car.
“So? How did it go?”
Raven leaned over immediately, eyes gleaming with curiosity.
Seeing her eager expression, Tess couldn’t help butugh. “He agreed to let me see Rachel tomorrow at Hunt Group. You and Lyra should note the routes used to bring her in and out.”
Raven nodded firmly, signaling she’d take care of it.
Tess watched the thoughtful look settle over Raven’s face.
A real–time transmitting device? It had been nothing but a bluff to rattle Max.
As she fastened her seatbelt, a small, victorious smile yed on her lips. Remembering the shifting colors of his expression across the table was deeply satisfying.
Hunt Group.
Max felt bone–deep exhaustion, though he’d done little physically. He dragged the weight of it back to his office.
“Where’s Rachel?” he asked his assistant as soon as he sank into his desk chair, his expression grim.
“She’s still in the small room. We followed your instructions. She hasn’t been allowed to leave or show herself.”
11:27 Mon, Feb <b>9 </b>
Chapter 737 Behind The Bookshelf
Max gave a curt nod and stood.
s
He walked to a wall lined with bookshelves, found a specific gryphon statue, and twisted it. A small, seamless door swung inward silently. Rachel was sitting on the bed, watching television. The sudden entrance made her jump.
“You…!”
“Looks like you’ve been living quitefortably,” Max said with a smile tinged with disced irritation.
Rachel hurriedly turned the TV volume down, her body tense with wariness.
She’d been confined to this windowless room for days, with no space to walk or breathe, only the wall–mounted screen offering a pathetic distraction.
The confinement bred resentment, but she couldn’t afford to show it to him.
“What do you need, Mr. Hunt?” Her voice was guarded.
Max took a few heavy breaths, forcing his expression to soften.
“Keeping you here this whole time has been a bit unfair to you.”
He casually pulled up a stool and sat down.
Rachel sensed the shift but remained silent, watching him closely, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
“Tess ising to thepany tomorrow. I’ll arrange a meeting. But you understand what should and shouldn’t be said.”
He smiled.
Rachel stared at the curve of his lips. It reminded her of a venomous snake testing the air, sending a chill of disgust through her. Yet, the news that Tess wasing, that she would see a familiar face, brought a faint, desperate relief.
“Of course. Since Ms. Tess ising, it’s clearly not to secure my release.” Rachel said, with a hint of sarcasm she couldn’t quite suppress.
Max’s smile remained fixed, offering no reaction.
Seeing him sit there like an unfeeling statue drained her momentary defiance. Her expression sobered. “Why is Ms. Tessing? Is there anything I need to prepare?”
Chapter 737 Behind The Bookshelf
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At that, Max rubbed his temples. “I don’t know either. Just be smart about it. As you said, she can’t take you with her. In the end, you’ll still be staying here with thepany.”
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<strong>Olivia Harris</strong> is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.